When Love Goes Wrong: How Valentine’s Day Brings Danger At Home & On The Road

Valentine’s Day is a time for sweet gestures, heartfelt expressions, and romantic moments. However, it’s important to remember that accidents can happen anytime, even during the most romantic day of the year. 

From slips and falls to traumatic car collisions caused by drunk driving, several things could go wrong during your special night. These incidents may seem small, but they can overshadow your celebration. At its worst, it can even lead to severe injury. 

If you want to learn how to enjoy a safe and romantic night this coming Valentine’s Day, you’ve come to the right place. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the most common accidents during Valentine’s Day. We’ll also discuss several Valentine’s Day safety tips you can follow for a memorable celebration with your significant other. 

Six Common Accidents During Valentine’s Day & How to Avoid Them

Despite all the excitement and love in the air, several accidents can happen during Valentine’s Day, including:

Drunk Driving Accidents

For most people, Valentine’s Day feels incomplete without a glass of champagne or a festive cocktail. While there’s nothing wrong with having a couple of drinks during your night out, you have to be mindful of your alcohol consumption. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 28 people die daily because of drunk driving. This number is expected to increase during holidays, like Valentine’s Day, when national alcohol consumption is at its peak. 

According to a BACtrack Consumption Report, the average Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level during Valentine’s Day is 0.081%, which is the third-highest average recorded during other holidays like New Year and St. Patrick’s Day.

Alcohol can severely impair a person’s cognitive functions, which is crucial while on the road. So, to ensure a safe Valentine’s Day, you must drink responsibly.

If you want to go out for dinner and some drinks, make sure you have a plan. Assign a designated driver or look for an alternative mode of transportation like an Uber or a cab. 

Consider trying out non-alcoholic beverages. Plenty of restaurants and bars offer delicious mocktails that allow you to enjoy Valentine’s Day without the negative effects of alcohol. 

Drowsy Driving Accidents

Valentine’s Day typically falls on a weekday, which means most people will likely celebrate the holiday after a long day at work. Some people would still go out even if they already feel tired. This increases the likelihood of drowsy driving.

Drowsy driving happens when a person drives while feeling sleepy or tired. Although some people think drowsy driving is not a big deal, it can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. 

The National Safety Council says that drowsy driving accounts for 100,000 car accidents recorded yearly. These incidents have also resulted in 71,000 injuries and 1,550 fatalities. 

Like alcohol, fatigue can severely affect our cognitive function. It impairs our ability to stay alert and make split-second decisions while on the road. So, if you’re already feeling worn out after work, spending your Valentine’s Day at home is the right call.

Slip-and-Falls

Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere, including your home. These incidents can be caused by various hazards, such as:

• Faulty stairs
• Inclement weather conditions
• Loose/work carpeting
• Spilled beverages or food
• Exposed extension cords
• Poor lighting
• Potholes or cracks in the pavement 
• Slippery floors

If you see any tripping hazards while you’re out, point them out to the property owner or manager of the place you find yourself. 

Property owners are responsible for maintaining their properties in good condition. They will be held liable for any injury a visitor sustains due to a tripping hazard they failed to address.

Candle Fires

Couples celebrating Valentine’s Day at home typically use candles to create a romantic atmosphere. But one downside to using candles is that they’re a major fire hazard. 

If left unattended, burning candles can cause accidental fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says candles cause around 20 household fires daily. Three out of five occurred when combustible materials were left too close to the candle. 

Considering these hazards, using safer alternatives like LED candles would be best. Certain brands of LED candles can recreate the flicker of real flames. 

However, if you use actual candles, place them far away from flammable items like curtains or flowers. You should also never leave them burning unsupervised, even for a short period. 

Even the smallest flame could lead to a disastrous situation. So, take extra precautions when using traditional candles. 

Cooking Disasters

There’s nothing sweeter than preparing a warm, home-cooked meal for your significant other. But with the number of hazards present in a kitchen, it’s important to follow basic safety rules while cooking. 

Avoid dull knives as they are more likely to slip and cut your hand. At the same time, be careful when using sharp knives. It’s also suggested that you turn your pot handles inward while cooking. This way, you can avoid accidentally knocking over boiling water and burning yourself. 

Lastly, you must never leave your stove on. Multi-tasking with an open flame in your stove leads to potential accidents or a kitchen fire. Studies have shown that unattended cooking is the leading cause of most kitchen fires in the US. 

Food Poisoning 

Food poisoning is another type of common Valentine’s Day accidents. These unfortunate events happen when there’s a lapse in food safety practices.

One of the main culprits for food poisoning is undercooked food. When your food is not cooked thoroughly, it creates a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. 

Another factor that contributes to the likelihood of food poisoning is improper food handling. If you plan to cook at home, carefully wash your hands and utensils to avoid cross-contamination. 

Practicing these fundamental food safety tips is the key to enjoying a delicious and safe meal on Valentine’s Day. 

Injured on Valentine’s Day? Get Help From A Lawyer

Ultimately, accidents can happen anytime, even during Valentine’s Day. But the great news is you can enjoy a perfect and safe night with the help of our Valentine’s Day safety tips.

If you or your significant other find yourselves injured after an accident during Valentine’s Day, Adamson Ahdoot is here to assist you. 

Adamson Ahdoot is one of California’s leading civil litigation firms dedicated to serving injured victims nationwide. Our team of personal injury lawyers has a combined legal experience of 100 years. They have handled various personal injury cases, ranging from car accidents to wrongful death. 

With our help, you can get fair compensation for the injuries and damages you’ve suffered on Valentine’s Day. Get unparalleled legal service and contact us today at (800) 310-1606.